Scholarships, awards presented at DPSEF Green Tie Dinner

Photos courtesy of the Dearborn Public SchoolsKhaled Elhaj (right) of Fordson High School, received the Hammoud Scholarship from Mary Hammoud (third from left) and her daughters, Dena (left) and Sally Hammoud.

Also at the event, the DPS presented Impact awards to four district staff members who consistently go “above and beyond” to make a positive difference in the lives of students, families and colleagues.

The DPSEF presented the Victory Award to Trinity Transportation President Jerry Sheppard.

“Trinity Transportation is a vital partner because of their continuous financial contributions over the years,” Foundation Director of Operations Chastity Townsend said. “In addition, their staff is active in planning our events and they assist with our transportation needs.”

The DPSEF presented the Prominence Award to community partner Raad Alawan, publisher of the School Life newspaper.

“Through his online and printed communications, and his passion for the success of our students, Raad has made a positive impact on students, families and Dearborn residents by sharing stories about the wonderful programs and student achievements across the school district,” Townsend said. “Without such partnerships, the foundation would not be able to fulfill its mission, helping all students reach their potential.”

The DPSEF presented the 2017 Volunteer of the Year Award to Leslie Herrick, communications specialist for the DPS and program manager for the Dearborn Community Fund.

“For many years, Leslie has volunteered her time and skills to inform the media, the community and the school district about the Foundation’s fundraising events, scholarships and classroom grants,” Townsend said. “By spreading the word, she has helped increase the amount of donations the foundation receives to continue its work.”

Herrick previously served five years on the foundation’s board of directors and was a founder its Mardi Gras fundraiser event.

The DPSEF presented several scholarships to graduating high school seniors and one fifth grade student.

Judy Beydoun, Henry Ford Elementary School, received the Fakhoury Scholarship which is awarded to a fifth-grader.

Recognizing the contributions that staff members make in the lives of students, families and colleagues, the DPS presented Impact awards to four employees who were nominated by students, parents or co-workers for their work in roles outside of classroom teaching.

Each of the Impact honorees has a reputation for consistently demonstrating the district’s Core Values as they work in the district. They were nominated for positively affecting those around them through polite, personal and professional interactions.

Dawson “embodies the Core Values in small but genuine ways day after day and her presence at the school is more profound than she realizes,” her nomination said. “We are so lucky to have her and I could not imagine the office at our school with a different face there. Ask anyone at our school about her and I know their response will include the word ‘love’ in it. She’s a special lady.”

The nomination for Bossio read: “Without her I would not be able to support the students with the positive, safe, and nurturing environment that she has helped to create and maintain. She is an irreplaceable valuable member of my classroom and school environment and deserves recognition for her dedication and upstanding representation of each and every core value.”

Ali Fakih (left) of Fordson High School, and Selena Bazzi, Dearborn High, received the Metzler Scholarship.

The nominator for Sedgeman said: “It is not just her commitment that stands out, but her sense of community and positivity. It is her exuberance that inspires teachers and students to strive for excellence. She’s truly remarkable.”

Colman “always has a smile on her face when she greets students and coworkers,” her nomination said. “She has a very warm demeanor that puts all kids at ease. She is very gentle and encouraging with all her students. She is a team player and I love working with her during the (Multi-Tiered Systems of Support) process because she is thoughtful, dedicated, and organized.”

Near the conclusion to the dinner, guests responded to a fast-paced, auction-like donation appeal and gave an additional $3,500 to fund special equipment for a science classroom at Dearborn High School.

The DPSEF is a licensed 501(c)(3) non-profit that provides grants to fund technology, equipment, and innovative programs for the DPS.